David’s #41– The Foundations of Islam: A Self-Study Course By Bill Warner

Bill Warner and The Center for the Study of Political Islam have produced another valuable tool in the study of the true nature of Islam.

Warner accurately notes that we are constantly bombarded by the media with views, almost exclusively opinion, about what Islam is. He argues that if one looks at the facts, it is clear that most of what we are exposed to by mainstream media sources, is false.

He approaches his analysis of Islam in a more scientific way. First he explains the three doctrines that comprise the teaching of Islam and the order in which they should be studied. Everything required to live as a proper Muslim should is contained in three books: The Koran, The Sira, and The Hadith. The Sira is the biography of Muhammad, allah’s prohet. The Hadith, or “tradition” is a seris of actions or stories about Muhammad and how he lived. Muslims should follow this to a T and live exactly as he did. Lastly, the Koran is the revelation that Muhammad claimed to have received directly from god.

Warner does a great job of explaining, simply and concisely, what these three doctrines entail, some of the difficulties associated with reading and interpreting them, and how to overcome the confusion in order to fully understand what Islam is all about. He breaks the three works down scientifically, by the numbers, to reveal some interesting truths about Islam:

• Muhammad spent thirteen years focused on religious proselytizing, yielding only 150 converts. He then spent 23 focused on the political nature of Islam and violently eliminating anyone who disagreed with him. This resulted in the spread of his movement, as we know it today. • 31% of the trilogy concerns instructions on Jihad.• 9% is anti-Semitic. Mein Kampf, Hitler’s famous work, is comprised of only 7% anti-Semitic content.• 51% is centered on acts against the Kafir, or non-believer, us.

The content of the doctrine really speaks for itself. He highlights the dualistic nature of Muhammad and Islam. Yes, Muhammad was a father, husband, and a peaceful, religious man; for a time. But in his later, more influential years, he was also a violent jihadist who kept a harem. This could lead some to a conclusion that it is a religion so peace, but a politic of violence, and the politics prevail.

He concludes by speaking about what is needed to prevent the spread and takeover of Islam, which the Islam teaches is the ultimate goal. Education is key. We ourselves must learn and educate others, focusing on the doctrine and the facts of what Islam truly teaches, constantly pointing back to Muhammad, the central figure of the religion. He was a violent man who called for the annihilation of Kafirs and the total takeover of Islam. This is evident in the doctrine that true Muslims must obey.

He points to the Christian church as a means for this education. I do not get the impression that he is a believer but he points to the great commission to spur Christians to spread the gospel and points to this as a means of converting current Muslims. How serious an issue must this be for a non-believer to try to convince Christians to convert Muslims as a means of preventing the spread of Islam?

It is a simple, quick read. I highly recommend it for anyone. An excellent tool to broaden your understanding of Islam.